How Do Binaural Beats Help With Meditation?

Many people are using Binaural Beats in meditation to help them go into deeper meditative states faster and easier. So just what is the science behind Binaural Beats? When two different frequencies are heard by the ears, entrainment occurs. Entrainment is basically what the “brain” hears, verses what “you” hear. For example, if your right ear is hearing 320 Hz, and your left ear is hearing 330 Hz, then your brain is hearing 10 Hz (330 – 320 = 10).

The four brainwave depths that can be manipulated using Binaural Beats are beta, alpha, theta and delta. Beta brainwaves increase concentration and active thinking. The brain hears beta frequencies at 13 – 40 Hz. Alpha brainwaves increase relaxation and drowsiness at 7 – 13 Hz. The brain is in alpha state when you are doing light meditation, or are day dreaming. Theta brainwaves are seen during REM sleep, while you are dreaming, and during meditation. Delta brainwaves are associated with the deepest sleep, and out of body experiences. They are found at. 5 – 4 Hz.

People use Binaural Beats in different ways, but I find starting at beta, and working my way down to delta is most effective. It allows ones brain to progress slowly through all the frequencies, and makes the transition down easier. You don’t necessarily need to go to delta every time. Going to theta is fine for daily meditation. Delta is really only necessary if you are trying to go into the deepest meditative state possible.

You can find Binaural Beats downloads throughout the Internet, or you can purchase meditation CDs that incorporate them. I recommend downloading some files online, so that you can create you own mixes.

It is important to note, that in order for your brain to “hear” Binaural Beats, each tone must be directed to the left and right ear individually. So, the use of headphones is imperative. Simply listening to them through speakers will not work. It is also important to know that the use of Binaural Beats is not recommended for those that suffer from seizures, or for children.

For me, the use of Binaural Beats has greatly helped to get into deeper meditative states much faster. I have also experimented with using Binaural Beats for other purposes as well. For instance, I have found that if I listen to theta waves, followed by delta waves at bedtime, I sleep deeper and more soundly. I also seem to dream more vividly when I do this. Since the uses of Binaural Beats are so diverse, and it is deemed safe for the majority of individuals, I highly recommend giving it a try. You may be on your way to your first out of body experience.